I'm new to the forum and also big block V-8's. I have a 72 highboy with a 390 and a 4speed. Stock except for a set of headers and 2 1/2 inch exhaust system that was already on the truck. I'm not lookin for anything crazy, just around 350-400hp out of the stock bottom end if that's possible? I was thinkin a Holley 750, a cam ( no idea what one ) and a set of 428cj heads?? Any help would be appreciated!!

 

Go to this link and scroll down to the Engine section for links to FE builds

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post13139591

 

I would go for edelbrock heads as they would likely be cheaper all said, and done.

 

2x but Barry Rabotnik recently released new "FElony" heads which are even better than Eddys... comes at a commensurate cost though.

 

Don't ferget to update what you do! BTW Hio, feel free to commit a felony and steal me a complete set of those heads, I will put them to good use.....

 

I have never been convicted of a crime of which I have been accused.

....They'll never find the bodies.

Below is a cutaway image from Survival's page: FE Stroker Kit Tech

With intake and exhaust improvements and a decent cam, 400 HP is doable with a stock bottom end.

 

In all honestly I can easily get those heads. I have a friend who is big into Shelby's ( has two 69 GT-500's ). And so what size cam tho?? If I went with the edlebrock vs. Stock (ported) ??

 

Best bet is to call cam mfg and discuss with a tech. They can tell you exactly what you need to get desired horsepower and what components they recommend.

 

unless someone put a 390 in there if i'm not mistaken (i have seen the argument hundreds of times) they never put a 390 in a factory highboy they only came with a 360 and this changes things majorly for you when it comes to cam selection the only way to verify what motor you possibly have (other than full tear down which no one really wants to do) is to measure the stroke remove a spark plug and using small dowel rod rotate motor to TDC and make a mark on dowel rod then rotate to BTDC make another mark and measure it 3.5" is a 360..... 3.73" is a 390 (edit 3.78" is correct)

 

as most FE people already know "a 360 magically becomes a 390 on sale day" -NUMBERDUMMY

 

Smoken is Smokin right. 4X4's Never got 390's. And the dowel trick. Or remove the oil pan. Look at the crank's counterweights. If they are square cut it's a 360. If they are taper cut it's a 390. I've seen a car mag article years ago where they took a JY t-bird 390 and got their goal of 400 HP. I want to say they spent $4000 but they are a car mag. They were probably comped the parts and the List price that nobody really pays is probably what was listed. I saved the article. If I remember when I get home I'll dig it out.

 

Follow the build in my signature. This is a common cam choice along with the Comp 270H cam. If I were to run the Felony heads; I'd probably gain 20-30HP. I have $400.00 of bowl work and gasket matching done to my Factory C8 heads. I love the mechanical sound of the Comp 270S and it's a proven cam. You could substitute an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake which may give you a few more ponies. JMHO

 

Aw no need to really rotate the crank.
Just remove #4 spark plug and insert your dowel as note above with a dowel or a rod as #4 is sitting at the bottom of the stroke.
orich

 

390 is actually 3.78 or .050 more than you quoted

One can always tell the diff by looking at end of crankshaft also.

 

my mistake i will edit it correctly like i've said before tons of numbers in my head i slip up once in a while